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Exploring Leadership Development Through Community‐Based Experiences
Author(s) -
McKim Aaron J.,
Velez Jonathan J.,
Stewart Josh,
Strawn Kellie
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of leadership studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.219
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 1935-262X
pISSN - 1935-2611
DOI - 10.1002/jls.21489
Subject(s) - experiential learning , leadership development , experiential education , value (mathematics) , psychology , element (criminal law) , shared leadership , leadership studies , neuroleadership , pedagogy , public relations , political science , leadership style , social psychology , machine learning , computer science , law
The current study explored community‐based experiences as a method for leadership development within a College of Agricultural Sciences leadership development program at Oregon State University. The value of community‐based experiences was gauged by evidence of student progression through the experiential learning cycle. Student reflections indicated community‐based involvement provided a concrete experience in leadership, a foundational element to experiential learning. Additionally, evidence emerged indicating students gained new insights through reflecting on community‐based experiences, an additional element of the experiential learning cycle. Furthermore, experiences and reflections encouraged students to identify new conceptualizations for leadership moving forward, an important step to experiential learning. Finally, after completing the community‐based experience, students were poised to continue leadership in new roles, at different locations, with improved approaches. Considerations for the application of community‐based experiences in leadership education are discussed.